With a face that transforms easily from dramatic to demure, Kati Nescher has become a designer favorite.

Dior

Dior

This Russian-born beauty made her runway debut just last year, having navigated working (as a translator and an event manager) and motherhood (her son, Theo, is two) before entering the world of casting calls. We asked a few designers why Nescher, 28, caught thier attention. "There are few girls that make me stop and stare, but when Kati walked into my studio, I did just that!" recalled Jason Wu. "She has the kind of maturity, sophistication, and delicate beauty that are the makings of a remarkable model." Designer Prabal Gurung was equally effusive: "Aside from her incredible looks, her personality, experience, and confidence set her apart. She seems to be really in tune with herself and wears clothes not as a hanger but as a real, cool girl." With accolades like that, we imagine that Nescher will be back in full force next season. Could this be a new trend in older, more "real" models? Watch this space.